Inspiring Journeys: Sparks of Hope - Hope Under the Tree: A Christmas Kindness in Melbourne
Release Date: 12/28/2024
Throwback Thursday: '80s Action/Adventure Theme Songs
GenX Journeys
đ Originally aired: December 13, 2016 đď¸ Hosted by Paul Stroessner | Co-host: Robert Mishou | Special Guest: Jim Vilk Weâre revving up the nostalgia machine and heading full throttle into the golden age of TV introsâthe action-packed, high-octane theme songs of 1980s television! In this retro gem from the vault, Iâm joined by our original co-host Robert Mishou and long-time Return to the '80s contributor and friend Jim Vilk, whoâs been part of our crew since the early blog days. (Jim even wrote the popular piece One-Hit Wonders? Not Level 42! â ) đľ Main Topic: We each...
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Throwback Thursday: '80s Sitcom Theme Songs
GenX Journeys
Episode Title: â80s Sitcom Theme Songs (Originally aired: Oct 13, 2016) Cohost: Paul Stroessner & Robert Mishou Description: We're cranking the dial back to 2016âand even further back into our childhoodsâfor a look at some of the most iconic sitcom theme songs of the '80s! In this special Throwback Thursday re-release, Iâm joined by my original cohost Robert Mishou as we each share our top 5 sitcom themes and talk about why theyâve stood the test of time. đľ From the heartfelt (Growing Pains) to the hilarious (Alf), the funky (Diffârent Strokes) to the unforgettable (Cheers),...
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GenX Journeys: The Power of Signing Up
GenX Journeys
This week on GenX Journeys, Iâm officially hitting the pavementâagain. After months of knowing it was coming, I finally pulled the trigger and signed up for the 50th Marine Corps Marathon. But hereâs the thing: even though I knew I was going to do it, something shifted the moment I actually signed up. That one action sparked a wave of motivation, momentum, and commitment I hadnât felt in a while. In this episode, I talk about: Why physically signing up or speaking your goals out loud creates a powerful mental shift How small steps like Day 1 of the Couch to 10K plan can reignite...
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Throwback Thursday: Rubix Kube and Trixter
GenX Journeys
đď¸ Throwback Thursday â My Backstage Interview with Rubix Kube + Steve Brown & PJ Farley of Trixter! đ Originally recorded: April 21, 2018 | đ§ First aired: April 28, 2018 This may just be my favorite interview ever. Why? Because I got to go backstage with my all-time favorite '80s tribute band Rubix Kubeâand interview two absolute legends from the rock world: Steve Brown and PJ Farley of Trixter. đ¤ The night was electric, the energy was contagious, and the conversations? Unforgettable. đ¤ Interview Part 1: Rubix Kube I sat down with the bandâs powerhouse vocalists...
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Throwback Thursday: The Breakfast Club
GenX Journeys
đď¸ Throwback Thursday â The Breakfast Club (with Lizzie Newton) đ Originally aired: May 10, 2019 đ§ Re-released: April 11, 2025 Description: Itâs Throwback Thursday time! This week, we're rewinding to a special in-person crossover episode recorded with my good friend Lizzie Newton, originally released in 2019. Lizzie and I teamed up for a nostalgic deep dive into one of the most iconic Gen X films of all timeâThe Breakfast Club. But before we get to detention with the Brat Pack, I reveal the long-awaited results of our Phil Collins March Madness tournament! Sixteen songs...
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GenX Book Club: The Most Beautiful by Mayte Garcia
GenX Journeys
đď¸ GenX Book Club â Mayte Garciaâs The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince Hosts: Paul Stroessner & Suzanne Mattaboni Book: The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia In this emotionally rich episode of GenX Book Club, Paul is joined by writer and GenXer Suzanne Mattaboni for a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion about The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince, the memoir by Mayte Garcia. Mayte was not only Princeâs first wife but also a dancer, artist, and woman with her own compelling story. Suzanne and Paul dive into Mayteâs life before, during, and after...
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Throwback Thursday â Phil Collins March Madness
GenX Journeys
Originally aired: March 31, 2022 Itâs the final installment of our Return to the â80s March Madness series! For our 5th Annual Tournament, we focused on the solo hits of the legendary Phil Collinsâno Genesis tracks here, just 16 powerhouse songs going head-to-head in a Sweet Sixteen-style bracket. And yes, a couple of early-â90s singles made it into the mixâSomething Happened on the Way to Heaven and I Wish It Would Rain Downâbut since theyâre from his 1989 album ...But Seriously, they earned their place. Matchups include classics like: In the Air Tonight vs. One More Night ...
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GenX Journeys: Spring Forward (Even When You Feel Stuck)
GenX Journeys
The calendar says spring⌠but letâs be honest â sometimes life still feels like winter. If youâve been feeling stuck, restless, or like youâre waiting for a spark that just wonât come, this episode is for you. Join Paul Stroessner as he explores what it really means to âspring forwardâ when your energy is low, your mind feels cluttered, and your motivation is in hibernation. Youâll learn how to recognize the signs that change is already stirring inside you â even if it doesnât feel like it â and discover 5 simple ways to create momentum without overhauling your life....
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Legacy Lives On: The Power of Emily Perez and John Martin III
GenX Journeys
A Special Power Surge Episode In this powerful and heartfelt episode of GenX Journeys, Paul Stroessner honors two remarkable American heroesâCaptain John Thomas Martin III and Second Lieutenant Emily Jazmin Tatum Perezâwhose legacies deserve to be remembered, not erased. Captain Martin was a brilliant scholar, leader, and trailblazing West Point graduate who also earned a masterâs from Harvard before serving in Vietnam. Lieutenant Perez was a fearless medical officer, record-breaking West Point cadet, and decorated track athlete who led from the frontâliterallyâon her final mission...
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Throwback Thursday: Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament
GenX Journeys
Originally released on May 7, 2021, this episode was an absolute rollercoaster! Between scheduling struggles, technical mishaps, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, this one took a little extra effort to bring to life. But in the end, it turned out to be an absolute blast! đ¤ In this episode, we discuss: â The Whitney Houston March Madness Tournament and its wild journey â Instant tournament resultsâsince someone (ahem, me) forgot to hit record the first time we did this 𤌠â Fun discussions on Whitneyâs music videos, album covers, and the magic of liner notes â A...
info_outlineđď¸ Episode Summary
Welcome to the debut episode of Sparks of Hope, a new feature of the Inspiring Journeys podcast dedicated to shining a light on the goodness and compassion in our world. These bite-sized episodes share uplifting stories that remind us of the powerful connections we share as humans.
In this episode, weâre exploring a heartwarming story of generosity that took place in Melbourne, Australia. Amid the holiday season, a mystery woman stepped forward to pay off over $8,000 in layaway balances for families at a local toy shop, ensuring they could celebrate Christmas without financial stress.
Her selfless act sparked joy, hope, and gratitude, reminding us of the power of kindness to brighten othersâ lives.
đ What to Expect in This Episode
- The story behind this anonymous womanâs extraordinary generosity
- Reflections on why small, kind actions matter and how they inspire change
- Practical ideas for spreading kindness in your own community
đĽ Watch the News Story
You can see more about this story in this touching video by ABC News:
Mystery Melbourne woman pays off toy shop lay-bys worth over $8,000 | ABC News
đĄ Key Takeaway
Kindness, no matter how big or small, has the power to connect us and remind us of our shared humanity. What sparks of hope can you create in your world today?
đŁ Join the Conversation
Whatâs a moment of kindness that inspired you? Weâd love to hear your story! Share it on social media using #SparksOfHope and tag us to be part of the conversation.
⨠Closing Reflection
This holiday season, letâs be reminded of the good that exists in the world. Whether itâs offering a smile, lending a helping hand, or paying it forward, every action counts. Together, we can create more sparks of hope.
đ Thank you for tuning into this inspiring journey. If this story resonated with you, please share it with someone who could use a little hope and encouragement today.
You can find Paul - The Rhode Runner in the following places:
Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner
Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner
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Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod
Email: [email protected]
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